India’s cultural capital, Kolkata is often misrepresented. The city has been home to many writers, theatre masters, musicians, visual artists, etc. who have excelled and contributed significantly to the world. However, beneath this rich heritage is a more sobering story: the ongoing plight faced by contemporary artists who are perpetually fighting to assert themselves in a competitive and oftentimes hostile environment.
Financial Stability: A Relentless Challenge
It is apparent that a significant number of artists in Kolkata live with chronic financial distress. Although there is no shortage of local commercial galleries, cultural events, theatres, and other locations to showcase art, the remuneration almost always does not justify the amount of work and creativity put into it in the first place. Individual artists, who are self-employed, often find it hard to raise money to implement projects as gov’t and other private fundings are scarce and entirely competitive.
Unavailability of Infrastructure and Facilities
Despite being home to numerous artists, Kolkata lacks the modern infrastructure necessary to accommodate contemporary art. Theaters and galleries are in a state of disrepair or just poorly maintained, and a diversity of specialized centers to work with modern techniques and technologies is nonexistent. This prevents the development of fresh ideas and stifles creative production.
